Panthers re-sign DT Cole

CHARLOTTE - Defensive tackle Colin Cole, a key contributor to the Panthers' dominant defensive line last season, has returned to the team.

The 6-2, 335-pound Cole has re-signed with the team as an unrestricted free agent, agreeing to a one-year contract. Last season in his first action since suffering a serious ankle injury with the Seattle Seahawks in 2010, Cole played in 15 games with 13 starts and posted 19 tackles, one sack and three quarterback pressures for one of the NFL's best defenses.

Cole was an important cog in a defensive tackle rotation that also included veteran Dwan Edwards and rookies Star Lotulelei and Kawann Short, a group that helped Carolina rank second in total defense and points allowed and lead the league in sacks while finishing second in rushing defense and sixth in passing defense.